TOP 3 INTERVIEWING TIPS
save as pdf

 

 1 - Show excitement and energy for the position

Public sector managers have been educated and conditioned to downplay their accomplishments and deflect praise to the elected officials.  While candidates must be careful to not overly “sell” themselves, they must be genuinely excited about the position and the skills and attributes they have that will make them successful in the job for which they are applying.  Furthermore, it is critical to remember that elected officials are dedicated to their community.  They willingly give up many, many hours of their free time to carry out the duties of their position.  They want candidates who are excited about working for their community.

By far, this is the most common reason candidates are not successful in their quest for a position.

2 - Use non-verbal communication

Candidates must remember that there is a very short amount of time to make a good impression. A firm handshake and eye contact are two of the most important steps toward an effective interview. A genuine smile can also be critical.  Candidates who sit back in their chair are displaying a lack of interest in the position. The best posture is to sit slightly forward in the chair with forearms on top of the table. 

3 - Focus your answers

It is important to strike a balance between a thorough answer and a succinct answer.  Be careful to avoid long, rambling responses to questions.  If you find yourself rambling, stop, apologize and re-focus your thoughts.  If the question is multifaceted, jot down some quick notes on the question as it is being asked so you do not forget to cover an important part.